Picture film strip projection apparatus



Oct. 12, 1948. T. u. sxssoN 2,451,306

PICTURE FILM STRIP PROJECTION APPARATUS Filed Dec. 29, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR THOMAS U. SISSON ATTORNEY Oct. 12, 1948. T. u. SISSON PICTURE FILM STRIP PROJECTION APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 29, 1945 INVENTOR THOMAS U.SISSON BY? ATTORNEY Oct. 12, 1948. 'r. u. SISSON PICTURE FILM STRIP PROJECTION AFPARATUS I5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 29, 1945 INVENTOR TFHQMAS U SISSON BY 7 A ORNEY Patented Oct. 12, 1948 PICTURE FILM STRIP PROJECTION APPARATUS Thomas U. Sisson, Detroit, Mich, assignor to Training Devices, 1110., Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Application December 29, 1945, Serial No. 638,131

12 Claims.

This invention relates to a projection apparatus and, in particular, it relates to means for projecting images from strip photographic film in combination with a selective system whereby different reels of film may be readily positioned in In accordance with the practice of my invention, I provide a single light source in cooperation with which a plurality of film units may be utilized. Each film unit comprises means for supporting reels for photographic film and a lens arrangement with which the film is adapted for association. Also included with each film unit is a cooperative indexing means for progressively moving the film in relation to the lens. This indexing means cooperates in combination with a single power driven operative means which is located in a fiXed position and which engages with the film unit only when the film unit is positioned in alignment with the light source.

The apparatus includes a frame arrangement for supporting the film units. This entire frame arrangement is movable transversely of the path of the light beam in such a manner that any of a number of film units may be easily and quickly positioned in alignment with the light source whereby a particular subject may be projected.

It is, therefore, among the objects of my invention to provide a projection apparatus in which a multiplicity of different film subjects may be readily available for projection with a light source; to provide an apparatus in which a multiple number of film units may be utilized and in which each film unit may be easily and quickly removed or replaced from the apparatus; to provide a projection apparatus utilizing multiple film units in which a single power source for advancing the film is utilized; to provide a projection unit in which novel means are employed for progressively indexing film frames while maintaining a high degree of accuracy in the positioning of each film frame; and, to provide an apparatus of the character described which is efficient in design and economical of manufacture. These and other objects and advantages will appear more fully in the following detailed description In many cases, such when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of an assembly illustrating an embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

Figure 3 is a View, in section, taken along lines III-III of Figure 1 and illustrating one of a plurality of film units;

Figure 4 is an end elevational view of the film unit illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a view, in section, taken along lines V--V of Figure 4 illustrating a slip-clutch mechanism associated with the reel drives; and,

Figure 6 is a transverse View, in section, of a lens mount taken along lines VIVI of Figure 3.

With reference to the drawings and in particular to Figures 1 and 2, I show an embodiment of my invention in the form of a projection apparatus comprising a plurality of units consisting essentially of a frame l, a carriage 2, a film unit 3,

a light source l, and a drive unit 5. Each of these units cooperate with each other so as to permit the film units 3 to be moved selectively into registry with the frame l for the purpose of aligning the film unit with the light source 4 and the driving unit 5.

It is to be understood that an apparatus of this type is to be used primarily for still pictures in which moving picture film is to be utilized. While the present device is notlimited to the size of film, the example, as shown in the drawings, is primarily designed for use with 16 mm. film. If desired, the entire frame and associated parts may be mounted in a cabinet, or other convenient support.

Essentially, the frame l includes vertical structural members 5 and l, and horizontal members 8 and 9. An upper horizontal track rail I0 is attached to the frame l and functions as a support for the carriage unit 2. A lower horizontal guide-rail H, also attached to the frame I, functions to maintain the lower portion of the carriage 2 in a fixed path slidable in parallel relation with the track In.

The carriage unit 2 which is supported by the track-rail l0 consists of a rectangular frame, comprises essentially vertical side plates l2 and I3 and upper and lower horizontal members l4 and 15, respectively. U-shaped brackets l6 and ll are attached to the upper horizontal member I4 and support free rotatable wheels l8 and I9, respectively, for engaging with the track [0. By this arrangement, the carriage 2 hangs by gravity on the track It] through the medium of the Wheels positioned within the carriage.

l8 and I9, thus allowing the carriage 2 to be easily moved in a horizontal path along the length of the track I.

Attached to the bottom frame member 55 of the carriage 2 are two U-shaped brackets 26 and 2| which straddle the lower guide rail l l. These brackets; in combination. with the guide rail H, prevent movement of the carriage 2 transversely of its normal path of travel.

In order to move the carriage unit 2 along its fixed path and to bring the film units 3 into proper registr with the light source i and the drive unit 5, I provide an indexing angle 22 supported from the frame I by means of brackets 23 and 24.

A plurality of slots 25 are formed in the indexing angle 22 in a fixed spaced relationship for the purpose of registering any desired film unit 3 in proper relation with thelight source ll. A registering pin26 is adapted'for engaging the slot 25. This" pin is supported by a bracket 27 attached to a plate 28 which, in' turn, is secured to an axle 29 pivotally supported tothe upper frame member l4of'the carriage 2 through brackets 3t and Si. The axle 29 is cone-shaped at its ends for pivotally' engaging with sockets 32 adjustabl attached to the brackets 30 and 3|. By this pivotal mounting it is possible toadjust the film units 3 accurately in alignment with the light source" 4. In order to maintain the registering pin 25 in tight engagement with the indexing slots 25; atension spring 3-3 is supported by a post 34' attached to the' frame member i l and to a hook 35 attached toand extending from the axle 29% Thus, the pin 26 is normally retained in one of the slots 25 for purpose of proper registr of the-film units 3.

The-1ectangu1ar carriage unit 2 is adapted to support aplurality of film units 3. For this purpose the upper and lower horizontal members it and" liare-providedwith aplurality of slots 36 extending transversely of" the length of the members It and- I5. These'slots cooperate-With the filmunit 3 insuch manner that it is merely necessary to slide the film units intoplace in the carriage or to remove'them in the samemanner. Retaining plates 31 and 38- are attached to the members l4 and I5, respectively, by means of machine screws for the purpose ofholding the film-units 3 securely in place after they have been Back retaining plates 39 and Gil (Figure 2) function as confining means for closing the opposite ends of the slots 36 so: as t'o-secure the film units 3'within the'car riage.

As shown in Figure 1, only'one carriage unit 3 is-illustrated and the remaining carriage unitsare indicated only by dot and dash lines. The units are illustrated in this manner since all of the carriage units are identical. While ei ht such film units are illustrated, it is to be understood thatmore or. less units may be assembledfas described;

The film units 3 are illustrated in particular by Figures 3 and 4. Essentially, the entire unit is supported by aframe constituting a fiat plate 41 This plated! is adaptedtobe'received'in the slots 36 in" theupper and lower horizontal carriage members It and H3, respectively; At-.

tached to the drivesleeve is a gear M-which" is driven from the drive unit hereinafter described: The'drive sleeve l'l operates'to advance a length of strip film 45 inaccordance with a predetermined distance fixed by the gear 441 The film: 45 is of the perforated edge type adapted for engagement with teeth 46 on a film sprocket attached to a hub 43 secured to the drive sleeve 43 by means of a set screw 49. A disc 50 serves to support the opposite edge of the film 45. It is to be understood, however, that teeth similar to it may be associated with the disc 50, is desired.

The drive shaft 43 also serves to drive upper and lower film reels 5! and 52, respectively. The film reels 5i and 52 are supported from the plate 4! by means of shafts 53 and 54 provided with pulleys 55 and 56, all respectively. Lock washers El retain the reels 5| and 52 in locked position on the shafts 53 and 54, respectively. The reel 5! is rotatable with the pulley 55 and is driven through a spring belt 58 from a pulley 59 mounted on a drive sleeve 43'. Similarly, the reel 52, associated with the pulley 56, is driven by means of a spring belt 60 joining with a pulley 6i mounted on the drive sleeve 43. Helical springs 62 and 63 are positioned around thedrive sleeve 43' between the sleeve and the pulleys 59 and-5i, respectively, and arelocked with the pulleys in such manner as to constitute an automatic clutch. By this arrangement, a constant tension is at all times maintained on the film-45 regardless of different drive speeds which may occur due-to the building up of the convolutions of film on the reels 5'] and 52. A washer 64 and attaching screw 65limit the end movement of the drive sleeve 43 on the shaft 42.

The gear 44 isunco'nventional in design and consists of a disc in which slots 66 are cut so-as to form teeth 61. The slots tfiare relatively wide and function to engage with a drive paddle hereinafter described.

In order to maintain the film 45in proper reg istry, I provide means associated withthegear 4 4 for maintaining the gear and itsassociatedfilm drive in fixed increment positions. This is accomplished by means of an arm 88 pivotally attached to the frame at 69 and including a rollerlll supported at the opposite end-of the arm 68. The roller "it is adaptedfor. engagement with the gear id. in such manner thatthe roller, by means of a. spring. 'l'l attached tothe arm 68, presses against the outer periphery of the gear 44m constitute an indexing means by'association-with the slots. 66. Bysuch an arrangement, a uniform and accurate advancement of the film 35 is obtained;

The projection device associated with the film unit 3 comprises alensbracket 12 (Figures Band 6) and a conventional lens assembly 73 supported from: a bracket 74 forming an extension of the plate ii. The film: 45, as. it passes in alignment with the. lens 73; extends between heatabsorbing glass plates l5 andfits The platelS is supported from the bracket it by. a sheet metal support H to which is also attached" a film guide 18; The plate :5 is'supported-by a spring bracket 19 which exerts a light pressure against the glass'lB and; in turn, against the film es.

As thus described; it isnoted that the film unit 3 is completaincluding lfilm reels, lens, drive and indexing means so as to =constitute a completely independent mechanism for mechanically manipulating the film inproper index relation with a lens.

The light source. with. which thefilmunits are positionedin alignment comprises a light unit 4, as shown in particular in Figure 2. This. unit consists essentially of a housing within which is mounted a conventional electric projection bulb. A bracket Bl supports the housing 80, anda vertical frame memberil? provides means for supporting the bracket 8! in relation to the main frame l A lens mount 83 connected to the housing 80 contains a conventional set of lenses with which the lens barrel :3 of the film unit is adapted for axial alignment.

The drive unit '5 comprises essentially a combination motor and reduction unit 84 secured to a bracket 85 attached to the main frame 1. At the front end of the motor 34 is a plate 85 for supporting a train of gears 81, 88 and 39. Attached to the gear 89 is a paddle wheel 99 adapted for engagement with the gear 44. The paddle wheel 90, in effect, constitutes a drive gear having two teeth, one of which is diametrically opposite to the other. Extending from the motor 84 is a drive shaft 9! to which is attached a cam 92. An electrical switch 93 is attached to the plate 86 through a bracket 94. The switch $3 is so positioned that a cam follower 95 associated with one of the arms of the switch 93 lies in the path of the cam 92. The switch 93 is normally in circuit making engagement. However, when the cam 92 contacts the cam follower 95 the switch circuit is broken. The purpose of this operation is to insure that the teeth of the paddle wheel at are out of the path of the gears 34 and thereby avoid any obstruction when the film units are selectively positioned in alignment with the light source l. To accomplish this objective, the switch is connected by conventional wiring to the motor in such a manner that the motor is cut off when the circuit of the switch 93 is broken. When it is de-- sired to re-energize the motor, an additional circuit (not shown) is momentarily energized until the circuit produced by the switch 93 becomes closed due to movement or the cam Q2 out of contact with the cam follower 9:5. The gears 87 and 89 are of the same diameter, thus the paddle wheel 9!] assumes the same relative position as the cam 92.

As thus shown and described, it is believed apparant that I have provided a novel combination of film projection in which a multiplicity of different films may be readily and accurately positioned in alignment with a given light source and in which each film unit is cooperatively engageable with a drive source for advancing the film in accordance with predetermined time intervals.

While I have shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that it is susceptible of those modifications which appear obviously within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

l. A multiple projection apparatus comprising in combination, a frame, a directional light source in fixed relation with the frame, a plurality of projection units, each unit comprising spaced film reels and a lens assembly and indexing means for moving a length of film across the path of the lens, connections joining the film reels with the indexing means for imparting increments of rotary motion to said reels, a carriage for supporting the projection units, a track attached to the frame for supporting the carriage, and means for moving the carriage along the track transversely of the directional lig t source for selectively positioning the lens of one of the projection units in alignment with the light source.

2. A multiple projection apparatus comprising in combination, a frame, a directional light source in fixed relation with the frame, a plurality of projection units, each unit comprising spaced film reels and a lens assembly and indexing means for 6 moving a length of film across the path of the lens, connections joining the film reels with the indexing means for imparting increments of rotary motion to said reels, a carriage for support-.

ing the projection units, means for moving the carriage transversely of the directional light source for selectively positioning the lens of one of the projection units in alignment with the light source, and indexing means cooperatively positioned with the carriage and the frame for looking the carriage with the frame in the aligned positions.

3. A multiple projection apparatus comprising in combination, a frame, a directional light source in fixed relation with the frame, a plurality of projection units, each unit comprising spaced film reels and a lens assembly and indexing means for moving a length of film across the path of the lens, connections joining the film reels with the indexing means for imparting increments of rotary motion to said reels, a carriage for supporting the projection units, means for moving the carriage transversely of the directional light source for selectively positioning the lens of one of the projection units in alignment with the light source, a pivoted member associated with the carriage, indexing means associated with the frame, and means for urging the pivoted member into engagement with the indexing means for locking the carriage with the frame in the aligned positions.

4. A multiple projection apparatus comprising in combination, a frame, a plurality of projection units, each unit comprising spaced film reels and a lens assembly and indexing means for moving a length of film across the path of the lens, connections joining the film reels with the indexing means for imparting increments of rotary motion to said reels, a carriage for supporting the projection units, driving means supported by the frame and adapted to engage the indexing means, impellers associated with the driving means, means for moving the carriage for selectively p0- sitioning the indexing means of one of the projection units in alignment with the driving means, and means for normally maintaining the impellers of the driving means out of the path of travel of the carriage.

5. A multiple projection apparatus comprising in combination, a frame, a plurality of projection units, each unit comprising spaced film reels and a lens assembly and indexing means for moving a length of film across the path of the lens, connections joining the film reels with the indexing means for imparting increments of rotary motion to said reels, said indexing means consisting, in part, of a disc having slots in the outer periphery thereof and a film driving sprocket attached to the disc, a carriage for supporting the projection units, and a track attached to the frame for supporting the carriage. means associated with the frame for driving the slotted disc, said carriage being movable along the track for directly positioning the slotted disc of one of the projection units in complementary operating association with the driving means.

6. A multiple projection apparatus comprising in combination, a frame, a plurality of projection units, each unit comprising spaced film reels and a lens assembly and indexing means for moving a length of film across the path of the lens, connections joining the film reels with the indexing means for imparting increments of rotary motion to said reels, said indexing means consisting, in part, of a disc having slots in the outer periphery eaetii le 1;7 ethereofeanda 111111;. driv ng sp ocket; attached to the ;disc,;a carriage for supporting the projection units; attackattachedtothe; frame for supporting the. carriage,means;associated-,With-the frame gxfior driving the; slotted disc, said; carriage being (movable alon the tra-ck for dire ctlypositioning z:,the;slotted, disc of one of the :projection units in c'ccomplcmentaryoperating association ,with the --;driving means,; and registering 1means cooperamfivelmpositioned with the. carriage and the frame.

aforilOcking: the, carriage with the frame in. the

aligned positions.

28 yrl'fiels supportedby the plate, connections Joinin i-thegfilm reels with the drive shaft for-rotating esaidliilm reels; a film, drivewheelmounted onjzhe .,cl-rive shaf t,,-a film, supported by; the film reels-a projection lens supported bytheplatepand lying in; a, film' path'ibetween the reels,- a carriage for ,1 supporting the-projection units,a frame for; supportingthe carriage, said carriage comprising ,ihQlfiZQlfltfll upper, andv lower frame members hav ing transverse slots therein .forv receiving and; syp- .,porting-,the; plate of said; projection unit s,,;and

;'7.1:In ,a projection apparatus including-a ,plu-

aralitytof projection units adaptable;fortselective p sitioning withalightsource, a projection; unit iypressure wheel, adapted to engagebetween the,

aspaced projections for indexing the film in predez termined increments of movement.

v8.- ,In a projection f apparatus including a pluzerality.ofjprojection units adapted for selective po- --:sitioning ;.with a light source, a projection unit comprising a plate, a drive shaft, a pair ofifilm wreels supported ,by theplate, connections joining :,;the;:fi;1m: reels-with the-drive shaftfor rotating aid-trfilm reels, -a;film: drive wheel; mounted, on the "projection-lens supp rted by h p t an lyin ;"zin:.ajzfilm ;path between the reels, acarriage for ;supporting theprojection units,;a frame for-sup- ;porting :the carriage-and means for-selectively positioningwthe --carriage in relation -with--the,

:frame.

3,9, In; a; projection apparatus-including a; plu- :rality of projection unitsadapted-for selectivepo- -gsitionir gwwith alight source, ,a projection unit acomprising aplate, a: drive shaftua; pairhof film,

g-rreels supported bythe plate, connectionsjoining githe :filrn; reels with ;the 1 drive shaft forv rotating said film reels, a Lfilm driveiwheeli mounted on-the irdrivegshafuafilmsupported bythegfilm reels, a

prcj 90131011516118 supported 'bytheplate and lying:

51in a-iilm-pathv between :-the ree1s, a carriage for supporting the projection units, and a frame for ,,-1sup-porting the, carriage, said carriage; comprising horizontal upperandlower frame-members'hav- :ing transverse slotstherein for receiving :and sup-:,-

x orting :theplateof said projection units.

vlOw-ID a projection apparatus including a pin- --:ra1ityof project-i-onunits adapted for selective-po- ,-,sitioning withi-a light source, a projectioniunit @comprising, a plate, a-drive shaft, a pair of-film drive; shaft, aifilm supported by the film r el a,

:means-foraretaining the plate in said slots.

:=11. -In1 a projection apparatus including a plur -ralityof;projeotionunits adapted for selectivepositioning with a light source, a projection ,unit comprising a plate, a-drive shaft, a pair of .film

-=reelsssupported by'the plate, connections joining igthe-film reelswith the drive shaft for rotating said i ilm;-;reels,,a'.u1lm :d-rive wheel mounted :on, the

',, drive;shaft,-a film supported by the film reels, a

,projectiornlens, supported by the plate and lyin grinafilm path between the -ree1s,-acarriagefor ,-.;supporting the projection units, a frame for supporting ,-the carriage, said carriage comprising ,horizontaLupper and-lower frame membershavingrtransverse slots therein for receiving andsup- ,p0r ti'n g -the plate of said projection units, .and

- meansfonselectively positioning the carriage in irelationawith the frame.

12.-.In 4 a -projectionapparatus includin a, plurality: of projection units adaptedifor-selective;po-

, ,sitioning-with a light source, a projection. unit comprising-a plate,; a dr ive shaft, apair-of film :1'6615; sup orted by the plate, connections joining sthefilm reels with the drive shaft for rotating said ,i'llm; reels, a film drive wheel mounted on the idrive shaft, .a-film supported by :the filmreelspa projection lens supported by the ,plate-and lying Lin lm, path between the ree1s,-a carriage-for supporting the projection units, a frame --forsupsporting the carriage, said carriage comprising -hor-izontal upper andlower framememlbers having-transverseslots therein for receiving and-sup- .:porting:- the plate of said :projectionunits; means 4 for-retaining the plate in said slots, and, means ,forselectively positioning the carriage in;relat ion with theframe.

II-IOMAS U .J-SISSQN.

REFERENCES CITED tThez-following references areof recordzinjthe ,afile of :this patent:

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